6 Times Redfern Stand Up Shows Us That Indigenous Australians Should Not Be Forced To Sing The National Anthem

Not everyone is happy with the National Anthem. In this scene everyone is singing the national anthem except for Joel. While everyone is singing the anthem Joel is looking at the ground in embarrassment and despair. By looking at Joel’s actions and facial expression you can tell he does not believe in the anthem and won’t stand for something he doesn’t agree with. For some people singing the National Anthem is like singing the song of the footy team you hate the most.

Some Indigenous Australians refuse to stand for it. In this scene Joel is shown sitting down as the rest of the school stands and sings the national anthem. Rachel Perkins, the director of Stand Up, sends an important message about Joel and how he refuses to sing or even stand for the anthem. Perkins wants us to know how the anthem may make Indigenous Australian’s feel and that we should look at it from Indigenous Australian’s perspective as well.

Would you stand for something that you don’t believe in. In this suspenseful scene Joel’s dad, Eddie stands up for Joel, and says, “He has a right to make a stand”. Eddie without a doubt does not agree with Miss. McCann and her opinion on forcing Joel to sing the anthem, and why should he. The importance of this scene is how someone with power does not acknowledge someone with less power, and makes a decision not considering other perspectives.

Everyone’s views matter. In this powerful scene Joel is walking home with great sadness and disappointment. He looks as if he has been emotionally hurt, as he has been constantly ridiculed for not singing the anthem. The scene is in slow motion and starts blurry to resemble the emotions Joel is feeling. By not acknowledging Joel’s view, Miss. McCann has made Joel feel bad about him self and she has emotionally affected him. Not considering other people’s views, and abusing power can leave someone feeling miserable and emotionally hurt.

Indigenous people believe the anthem betrays them. In this close-up scene, Joel is on the front of the newspaper for being expelled for refusing to sing the national anthem. In this shot the camera is especially close to the newspaper and is giving a message from the public, ”Aboriginal Youth Expelled Over National Anthem” as they also think is it ridiculous Joel was expelled for not singing the anthem. The important message in the scene is thinking about the way everyone is treated, and making sure we acknowledge other people’s perspectives.

Everyone should be treated equally no matter what colour, race, or beliefs. In this scene you can see Joel being confronted by three staff members including the Principal (Miss.McCann). They are approaching him because he did not sing the National Anthem. Why should Joel be confronted for doing what he believes is right? Everyone should have the right to stand for what they believe, after considering other perspectives and everyone should be equally treated for doing so.